Hi gabriellesca,

I feel your pain!

Last year I forced myself to bite the bullet and go clipless. I think I managed quite well and didn't fall off, despite people telling me that it would inevitably happen. I was most terrified of not being able to unclip if I came across a hill that I just couldn't manage. Fortunately I was using a triple so this didn't happen very often.

I rode a pair of well worn spds until they broke at the end of the season and I had to switch back to my old faithful toe clips.

Now I have got a new bike with a compact double I'm pretty worried about returning to being clipped in since I don't have a 'granny ring' anymore. I want to switch back to being clipped in but I'm just really worried about falling off, I would hate to damage my bike....plus I don't like the idea of skinned knees at my age

I agree that you should do what makes you happy, and that there is no shame in not being 'clipped in'. I think it depends on what your main motivation is for wanting to used these pedals?

For me I really noticed a marked improvement in my cycling/pedalling technique, which is my main reason for wanting to use them.
Despite your fear do you feel that you cycle better with them or not?

I found that cycling with a friend helped with my fear, just to know that if anything did happen that I wouldn't be alone. I also think cycling familiar routes is a good idea!

I hope things go well for you, keeps us informed of your progress!!!!!